LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Costco an asset, just not there

I thank The Blade for its focus on residents’ point of view about the location of the proposed Costco store facility (“Real leaders listen and compromise,” commentary, March 274). Local government seems to have ignored Perrysburg residents’ concerns.

Although Costco probably would be an asset to Perrysburg, it will be a liability at the corner of Eckel Junction Road and State Rt. 25, which is one of the worst in Perrysburg. Plans for widening it to improve current and future traffic flow were made before a Costco facility was proposed.

Another concern: there are five gasoline stations within a mile and a half of this corner. Allowing an additional 16 gas pumps seems to doom some of those sites to failure. If some of these established sites are forced to fail, we’re likely to be left with another weedy lot like the one left from an out-of-business gas station at the northeast corner of Eckel Junction and Route 25.

If Costco’s plans go ahead as they are now, Perrysburg Mayor Mike Olmstead’s administration will be remembered for diminishing the quality of life in Perrysburg.

How about Costco using the Giant Eagle store that will be closing in Rossford (“Giant Eagle to close local grocery stores on May 3; Sylvania Twp., Rossford losing large tenants,” March 22)?

There are gas pumps in place, substantial parking, service streets, and no residential areas to be affected. The whole infrastructure is in place to accommodate Costco’s needs. And there is acreage in which Costco could expand. It likely would be less costly to remodel and expand than to build a new store. Plus, there is no natural gas line to relocate.

It seems wasteful not to use an existing structure that has been developed for such a venture.

MARY LU STRATSO

Perrysburg Township

Litany of stores would revive site

In response to the March 20 Readers’ Forum letter “Southwyck can be good Costco site”: In addition to locating a Costco store to that former mall site, Ikea, Whole Foods Market, and Trader Joe’s stores and an upscale restaurant would bring that area back to life.

Adding these outlets would increase property values and quality of life, and make shopping more accessible to those in the surrounding areas.

Does Mr. Lawson think that the people who run oil, steel, auto manufacturing, or other industries that many jobs spin off of would deal with anyone in the nonunion work force honestly? Workers need unions to get a living wage and benefits for them and their families.

I’m thankful for the benefits unions provide. I wouldn’t have a home without them.